Oct. 6, 2025 Editor, The News-Gazette: Autumn has arrived and the trees in our area are beginning to show their colors, including the two “endangered” maples next to the old courthouse. The current excavation has no doubt damaged the trees, since maple roots can spread two-to-three times the height of the tree. It is a shame to harm such beautiful trees.
As the current plan for the small park space proceeds, these two mature maples will be cut down. Perhaps they will yield enough lumber to create lecterns for the Rockbridge Regional Libraries or something similar that the trees might live on, as in the children’s story “The Giving Tree.”
In developing this plan, however, the city of Lexington is missing an opportunity to feature only native flowers, shrubs, and trees in the replanting of this space, with small tags identifying each, demonstrating an environmentally friendly garden spot. There are Master Gardeners in our area whose artistry and expertise could help create what would be an attractive, yearround garden friendly to native fauna. MELISSA DAVIS Rockbridge County
